“ You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C. S. Lewis

The past two weeks have been amazing but also jam packed and exhausting for me! I got home on May 1 from visiting my daughter Sarah in Germany feeling very jet lagged, but so happy that I was able to travel and spend time with her and my sweet little Bristol. The next couple of days were a blur, but I still worked and even did some blog pictures. May 4 was my 58th birthday and my daughter made a delicious dinner for me and Graham and Hudson made me a beautiful birthday cake! The celebration continued with an amazing dinner on Wednesday at a restaurant called Machete. I highly recommend eating there if you’re local…it was one of the best meals ever! My advice is to go hungry and enjoy every bite. On Thursday, my sister and her husband took us out to dinner (it was a week of eating), and by the time Friday rolled around, I didn’t want to eat or go out anywhere, but Sunday was Mother’s Day and we went to brunch! Last week, I jumped back into blogging with both feet. I had a photo shoot on Thursday and did video and photos on Friday. I also started going to yoga again, and working out with my favorite trainer at a new gym. In between all of this, my hair color needed to be done, my nails were horrible and needed a fill in, I had a Hydrafacial and got my lashes done! Oh and did I mention that we got a new puppy? Whew…by the time yesterday got here, I was pooped! My philosophy…life is good when you’re busy!

This is my first “what to do with your life” post in a while and I have a lot to share, so grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy!

One thing is my life that is non negotiable is my morning meditation and this morning, I discovered a new meditation that I really enjoyed! Alicia Keys has teamed up with Deepak Chopra for a 21 Day Meditation called Activating the Divine Feminine. You can check it out here!

Just in time for summer, From the Vine brings us A Guide to 10 Perfect Summer Wine and Food Pairings! Find out all about pairing summer wine and food…

Speaking of food and wine pairings - I’m making this delicious Farro Tabbouleh with Burrata and Hummus from Half Baked Harvest for my book club dinner on Tuesday night. We read The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kid. It’s a really wonderful book set in biblical times so I thought this dish would be totally appropriate. Even though white wine wasn’t consumed during that time in history, I will serve a white…most likely a Chenin Blanc to go with this!

Did you know that National Wine Day is celebrated every year on May 25. It is a day to appreciate wine and the science and art behind enology. This day should not be confused with National Drink Wine Day, which happens on February 18. Who knew…

Also happening in May is National Hamburger Day which is celebrated on May 28 to get people prepared for summer BBQ season. Most everyone loves a delicious burger and it’s one of the most beloved foods in America, so no wonder there is a whole day to celebrate it. Even though the burger was invented in Germany, it has become an icon of American culture, with Americans eating an average of 50 billion burgers every year. So fire up the grill, and get ready to celebrate National Burger Day.

In most areas of the country, May is a good month to plant a garden. If you’re new to gardening and thinking about planting one, you’ll find this article from Life Hacker really helpful!

We have so much shade in our yard, so this year, I’m going to plant a container garden and grow a few herbs including basil for making pesto, and some tomato plants. I found this article from The Spruce that is so helpful and answers any questions you may have about creating a container garden!

If you are in Australia, parts of the western US, western South America, or in South-East Asia, you will see the Super Flower Full Moon totally eclipsed and turn a shade of red for about 14 minutes during this total lunar eclipse, weather permitting. If you live in the eastern part of the US, this will be visible as a partial lunar eclipse, but still spectacular.

Gifts for the Graduate

May is graduation month and if you’re looking for the perfect gift, I’ve got you covered with my gift guides…

FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE
Pehr Pompom Canvas Hamper | Kendra Scott Everlyne Blue Cord Friendship Bracelet |Italian Herringbone Personalized Throw Blanket | YETI Rambler | Rifle Paper Co. 2022 Planner | Iris Monogrammed Catchall Tray | Mark & Graham Large Monogrammed Travel Jewelry Case

FOR THE COLLEGE GRADUATE
Mark & Graham Leopard Throw Blanket | Boll & Branch Classic Hemmed 300 Thread Count Organic Cotton Sheet Set | Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee Maker & Espresso Machine | diptyque Baies/Berries Candle | Tory Burch Robinson Saffiano Leather Tote |Italian Leather Desk Blotter | Riedel Vinum Champagne Flutes

FOR THE GUYS
Peter Millar North Carolina NC Crown Comfort Interlock Quarter-Zip | Courant Wireless Charging Accessory Tray | Tissot Chrono XL Collection Chronograph Bracelet Watch, 45mm | Harvey Leather Overnighter Bag | Classic Leather Folded Wallet With Money Clip | YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cooler

A Few Things I’m Loving Right Now!

Movies and Television

I’m looking forward to Georgetown - While originally premiering in late 2019 to independent film events, Christopher Waltz, Vanessa Redgrave and Annette Bening star in Georgetown, released on May 14. It’s a thriller centered around Ulrich Mott (Waltz), an ambitious social climber who marries a wealthy widow in Washington D.C. for his. sole purpose of mixing with powerful political players, the scenes are tense and the concept boggles the mind, but perhaps power and politics breed such a desire?

If you love Food Network stars, Bobby Flay and Giada de Laurentiis, this one’s for you! Premiering earlier this year, Bobby Flay and Giada de Laurentiis pair up and travel to Italy to enjoy the food and each other’s company. Have a look at an overview of the series from Mashable below. I can’t wait to watch this one!

For all the fashion lovers out there - another much-anticipated new series, this one on Netflix, is Halston. From creator and director Ryan Murphy, starring Ewan McGregor. Halston tells the untold story of the meteoric rise and fall of the first American celebrity fashion designer.

This one will just make you feel good!

Strawberry season is almost over, but there’s still time to make this delicious Strawberry Shortcake from Sally’s Baking Addiction!

I hope you’ve enjoyed today’s post…Have a great Sunday!